AO1 James Lewis Seeker, Jr., 83, of Screven died Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Jesup. James was born November 7, 1934 in Bradford, Pennsylvania and was the son of James Lewis Seeker, Sr., and Faith Twila Seeker. James' wife, Martha Jane, predeceased him just four months ago. He is also predeceased by his parents, a sister, Elizabeth June, two brothers, William Richard, Carl Leroy, and four great-grandchildren. James joined the United States Navy as a young man and as an Aviation Ordinance man.  His multiple duty stations include The USS Shangri La, USS Roosevelt, USS Hancock, USS Saratoga, and the USS Randolph.  He was attached to numerous squadrons and shore based duty stations.  He was also a member of the US Navy pistol team.  After retiring from 20 years of service, he and his family moved to Colorado. After leaving the military, James went back to school, obtained a degree in police science, and joined the Teller County Sheriff's Department in Woodland Park, Colorado. After leaving, he was hired to become the nation's first roving deputy assigned to numerous small towns in the Colorado plains to include Limon and Flagler. He retired from Foster Township Police Department in Bradford, Pennsylavania, the town of his birth. James was a very quiet man but was loved by everyone that met him. When he spoke everyone listened. His talents were so diverse it always amazed everyone around him how he knew something about everything. His was a master craftsman who received praise from around the world as a Smithsonian museum quality model ship builder.  He was recognized by the Cutty Sark Association in England as having built the most detailed representation of the original they had ever seen. James was also a huge animal lover who raised alligators, numerous dogs, crows, hawks, and at one time had over 35 animals living with them at their rural home in Bradford.  Rarely would you see him without a glass of  tea or can of Pepsi, his dog at his side, and yes, usually a child or grandchild learning from his immense wisdom. The world has lost a huge treasure and heaven has gained a new saint. The world is a less bright place.

Survivors are three daughters, Marla June Aschauer (Timothy), of Cheyenne, WY, Marjorie Joy Seeker of Screven, Lillian Gayle Whitfield of Screven; three sons, James David Seeker of Dublin, Timothy Lee Seeker of Woodland Park, CO, Frederick Thomas Seeker (Betsey) of Pensacola, FL, one step-brother, James Roy of Pennsylvania, two sisters, Sheila Rose of Pennsylvania and Madonna Lee of Arizona, 20 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside services with military honors will be 11 A.M. Monday, March 19, 2018 at Screven City Cemetery with Stanley Todd officiating. Active pallbearers will be James D Seeker, Timothy Seeker, Frederick T. Seeker, David Seeker, Joseph Connor, and Joseph Seeker. Floral memorials may be sent to Rinehart Funeral Home in Jesup, Georgia or memorial donations may be made to any Policemen's widows' fund. Family and friends will be received immediately following on Gentry Hill at 417 E. J L Tyre St., in Screven, Georgia.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.